Südamehaigusi

Südamehaigusi, or heart diseases, constitute a broad category of conditions that affect the heart's structure and function. In medical usage, the term covers coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia), valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, congenital heart defects, and other disorders of the myocardium or coronary circulation. These conditions collectively remain among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Risk factors include age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and family history. Some forms are congenital; others are acquired due to lifestyle or disease. Symptoms vary widely by condition but common ones are chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, dizziness or fainting, and swelling in the legs or abdomen. Early diagnosis improves outcomes.

Diagnosis relies on history, physical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography, blood tests, imaging, and sometimes invasive studies such as coronary angiography. Treatment is condition-specific and may involve lifestyle changes, medications (for example antiplatelets, statins, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors), and procedures such as catheter-based interventions, valve surgery, or pacemakers. Prevention focuses on controlling risk factors, adopting a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and managing comorbidities. The prognosis varies widely by disease type and stage, but many cases are manageable with timely care.